The DVLA has issued a warning over scam messages relating to unpaid car tax.

People on social media have complained about the fake messages, which claim that the user has cancelled or not paid the tax on their vehicle.

The messages come through texts or via email but can also come through phone calls or on misleading websites.

The DVLA has a dedicated section on the Government website focusing on reporting internet scams and phishing.

News Shopper: Watch out for scam messages pretending to be from the DVLAWatch out for scam messages pretending to be from the DVLA

The messages usually contain links to other websites, as well as account number and vehicle transaction numbers.

The official Government website assures users not to trust any messages drivers may receive.

It says: “Do not give out private information (such as bank details or passwords), reply to text messages, download attachments or click on any links in emails if you’re not sure they’re genuine.”

They also advise drivers that they can forward any suspicious emails to the National Cyber Security Centre, as well as forwarding text messages.

The untargeted messages can be sent to anyone at any time, with Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh receiving a message.

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In a tweet, she asked for help after receiving an email which supposedly informed her that her vehicle tax payment had failed.

She attached three photos, two of which were of the fake email, and another of the website which was linked in the email.

She was reassured by the money saving expert, Martin Lewis, who said it was a hoax.

In a response, he simply said: “It’s a scam”.

Others were quick to offer their advice. 

One user said: “Clue is in the domain/URL.

News Shopper: The DVLA has issued a warning to drivers in the UKThe DVLA has issued a warning to drivers in the UK

“Always check the domain or the sender email address.

“Always should end with dot gov. If not, fake.”

Another user highlighted the urgency of the email, saying: “It’s trying to bounce you into immediate action, a sure sign that it’s dodgy.”

The scams often come with threats of fines, sometimes up to £1,000, if they are not paid on time.

The DVLA recently told drivers to expect a wait up to 10 weeks to renew their licence due to backlogs caused by the pandemic.

Last month it was reported that 800,000 letters are waiting to be opened at the DVLA’s head offices in Swansea with a further 60,000 arriving each day.

Further backlogs have built up because the DVLA has been hit by a series of short strikes over coronavirus safety measures at its offices.